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There are calls for a new law to make sure that people affected by crime are remembered when it matters. It comes from Baroness Newlove - her husband Garry was murdered by a three teenagers who he confronted vandalising his car in Warrington ten years ago.

The Victim's Commissioner has told ITV News the time has come for the Government to introduce a core set of rights for those who find their lives turned upside down by the criminal acts of others.

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A call for victims to be treated better with 'sensitivity and respect' Credit: PA

Have you been a victim of crime? Well the Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove is calling for the government to introduce a new law to strengthen the rights of people affected by crime.

Her husband was killed by youths near their home in Warrington.

Baroness Newlove says the time has come for the Government to bring forward legislation that would give statutory rights to victims.

She warns that statistical and anecdotal evidence suggests they are not always receiving their entitlements as set out in the Victims' Code.

She has previously raised concerns over the proportion of victims offered the chance to take part in justice schemes that bring them into contact with criminals and make personal statements for court hearings.

Publishing her annual report for 2016/17, she says: "Victims deserve better. I want to know that every victim receives all of their entitlements and that these are delivered with sensitivity and respect."

Any law for victims should offer the opportunity to give them a more established position within the criminal justice system, with a set of core rights that are on the face of statute, according to the report.

Her report highlights the needs of those who have suffered from historical sexual abuse, trafficking and modern-day slavery.

It also expresses alarm at the rapid rise in cyber crime and raises concern at the number of people who suffer as a result of persistent anti-social behaviour.

I hear all too often that victims are at the heart of the criminal justice system.

For many this feels more like rhetoric than reality. A Victim Law is the next step if we are to achieve a culture change, whereby victims are formally recognised as an integral part of our criminal justice system.